Something hurts, it isn’t getting better, or it’s starting to change what you can do. Now what?

Do you rest? See a doctor? Get an X-ray or MRI? Or could you start with physical therapy?

For many muscle, joint, tendon, balance, and movement-related problems, you may be able to start with a physical therapist.

You do not always have to know exactly what is wrong before scheduling an evaluation. A physical therapist can evaluate your symptoms and movement, determine whether physical therapy is appropriate, and recognize when another healthcare provider should be involved.
At H2 Health, the evaluation starts with understanding two things: What is limiting you, and what do you want to be able to do again?

What Happens During a Physical Therapy Evaluation?

A physical therapy evaluation is more than identifying where something hurts.

Your physical therapist will ask about your symptoms, health history, daily activities, and goals. Depending on your symptoms, your evaluation may include:

• Strength
• Joint mobility and flexibility/li>
• Balance and coordination/li>
• Walking or running mechanics/li>
• Functional movements/li>
• Activity tolerance/li>
• How your symptoms respond to certain positions or movements/li>
• Work, home, sport, or activity demands that may be contributing to the problem/li>

Together, this information helps your therapist develop a clearer picture of what may be contributing to your limitations and how those limitations are affecting your life.

If physical therapy is appropriate, your therapist can develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. If the evaluation raises concerns that require medical testing or evaluation outside the physical therapist’s scope, your therapist can recommend that you consult an appropriate healthcare provider.

Physical Therapy Is About Getting Back to What Matters

Pain levels are important, but they are only one part of the picture.

Often, the bigger issue is what pain, weakness, stiffness, dizziness, or limited movement is preventing you from doing.
Physical therapy may help you work toward goals such as:

• Walking farther or using stairs more confidently
• Returning to work, exercise, sports, or hobbies
• Recovering after an injury or surgery
• Improving strength, mobility, endurance, or balance
• Managing symptoms during everyday activities
• Building confidence with movement
• Learning strategies to manage symptoms and activity over time

Progress looks different for everyone.

One person may want to return to running. Another may want to get out of a chair safely, make it through a workday with fewer limitations, or keep up with their grandchildren.

Your goals should reflect what matters to you.

What Can Physical Therapy Treatment Include?

There is no single physical therapy treatment plan that is right for everyone.

Based on your evaluation, treatment may include:

• Therapeutic exercise to improve strength, mobility, endurance, coordination, or movement control.
• Movement and functional training focused on activities that matter in everyday life, work, recreation, or sports.
• Education and self-management strategies to help you understand your symptoms and make informed decisions about activity, exercise, recovery, and symptom flare-ups.
• Balance, gait, or neuromuscular training for problems involving dizziness, balance, coordination, falls, or walking.
• Hands-on treatment when appropriate as part of a broader plan focused on active movement and functional improvement.

Your treatment plan should respond to your progress, goals, and changing needs rather than follow a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Do You Need an X-Ray or MRI Before Seeing a Physical Therapist?

Often, no.

Imaging can be important when a healthcare professional suspects a fracture, infection, serious neurological condition, cancer, or another problem requiring medical investigation. But an X-ray or MRI is not automatically necessary for every episode of muscle or joint pain.

For example, current imaging guidelines generally do not recommend initial imaging for uncomplicated acute low back pain when warning signs are not present.

A physical therapist can evaluate your symptoms and examination findings to help determine whether physical therapy is appropriate or whether additional medical evaluation may be needed.

Imaging decisions should be individualized and made by an appropriately qualified healthcare provider.

What Conditions Can Physical Therapy Help Address?

Physical therapists work with a broad range of conditions affecting movement and physical function.

Back, Neck, and Joint Problems

Physical therapy may be appropriate for:

• Back or neck pain
• Hip, knee, shoulder, or other joint pain
• Arthritis-related movement limitations
• Certain headaches associated with the neck
• Sciatica and other conditions involving radiating symptoms

Sports and Overuse Injuries

Physical therapists also commonly work with:

• Muscle strains and ligament sprains
• Tendinopathy
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Running-related injuries
• Problems related to repetitive work, exercise, or recreational activities

Balance, Vestibular, and Neurological Conditions

Depending on the therapist’s training and services available at a particular H2 Health location, physical therapy may also address:

• Dizziness and vestibular disorders
• Balance and walking limitations
• Fall risk
• Post-concussion symptoms
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Weakness or mobility changes associated with neurological conditions

Recovery After Surgery

Physical therapists also help people restore movement and function following procedures such as:

• Joint replacement
• ACL reconstruction
• Rotator cuff repair
• Spine surgery
• Other orthopedic procedures

Post-surgical care should follow the surgeon’s instructions and account for the procedure, healing stage, precautions, and individual response.

If you do not see your condition listed, an H2 Health team member can help determine whether the appropriate service is available at a location near you.

When Should Another Healthcare Provider Be Involved?

Physical therapy can be an appropriate starting point for many movement-related problems, but it is not the right answer for every condition.

Recognizing that distinction is an important part of a physical therapist’s role.

During your evaluation, your therapist will consider your symptoms, health history, and examination findings. If something suggests that additional medical evaluation, testing, or another type of care may be appropriate, your therapist can help guide you toward the appropriate healthcare provider.

Physical therapy can also be one part of a larger healthcare team. Depending on your condition, your care may involve communication or coordination with physicians, surgeons, or other healthcare professionals.

The goal is not to make physical therapy the answer to every problem. It is to help you find the right care at the right time.

Not Sure Where to Start? A Physical Therapist Can Help You Determine the Next Step

You do not always need to know exactly what is causing your symptoms before taking the first step.

If pain, weakness, dizziness, balance problems, or movement limitations are interfering with your work, activities, or everyday life, an H2 Health physical therapist can evaluate your symptoms, understand what you want to get back to, and help determine an appropriate next step.

If physical therapy is a good fit, you and your therapist can build a treatment plan around your goals. If your evaluation suggests that another healthcare provider should be involved, your therapist can help point you in the right direction.

Schedule an evaluation at an H2 Health clinic near you. Call us at (800) 699-9395 or request an appointment online to visit the best physical therapy clinic near you.

With over 300 locations across the country, we have a clinic close to home. Do not forget about our complimentary screenings to help you determine your therapy needs. Your better health starts here. We look forward to helping you!